Dealing with the physical and emotional effects of a psychiatric condition or mental illness can be frightening and overwhelming. Managing the symptoms of a condition like depression or schizophrenia is difficult on your own, but finding a mental health practitioner to assist you may be equally hard if you're not familiar with the field. To assist you as you look for help, keep these important terms in mind as doing so will help you communicate with providers more easily

Psychiatrist - A type of medical doctor who specializes in the care of mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia; Psychiatrists have the ability to write prescriptions for medication unlike other types of mental healthcare providers.

Psychologist - Scientist that studies how the brain works and what problems can occur with thoughts and emotions; Some psychologists offer therapy and other services to help treat mental illnesses like depression.

Counselor - Mental health practitioner who uses talk therapy or conversations to help patients develop strategies to change behaviors and understand their thoughts and feelings

Inpatient - Mental health services that involve patients staying over night at a facility away from their homes; Psychiatric hospitals and rehabilitation facilities are common providers of inpatient care.

Outpatient - Mental health services where patients attend appointments for treatment with practitioners and then return to their own homes; Mental health clinics and private practices are common providers of outpatient care.

Group - Type of therapy in which a mental health practitioner leads discussions between many different patients who are all suffering from similar conditions

Individual - Type of therapy in which a mental health practitioner works with a patient on a one-to-one basis

Substance Abuse - Dependence upon or excessive use of alcohol, drugs or tobacco

Those with mental health issues need help to overcome their disability. People with a range of emotional, behavioral and developmental problems, whether children or adults, can get the assistance they need through mental health services. These services provide valuable information and resources to those who need treatment, support and advice.
Mental health services sometimes offer helpful websites with lots of information and links to area mental health clinics and programs. These services can also be found at a mental health clinic, where there are counselors on hand to offer outpatient or inpatient care for those with brain disorders, physical handicaps and substance abuse addictions. Some may require medication, as in the case of depression or schizophrenia, which can be prescribed by a psychiatrist.
Licensed mental health counselors and psychologists have experience assisting people with depression, schizophrenia and other mental illnesses through a combination of individual and group therapy. Many communities have mental health services for the benefit of residents. Ask your primary care or psychiatric doctor for referrals to mental health services in your area. Need help alleviating anxiety, anger management or drug use? Get treatment through mental health services, either in clinics, private practices, medical centers or in hospitals. You can get help for your symptoms and overcome your handicap, either through the use of therapy or prescription medication.
Historically, insane asylums were used to accommodate the increasing amount of war veterans who needed psychiatric help. Procedures such as lobotomies and electronic shock treatments were commonly used to treat mentally ill patients. Today, medication and therapy are primary ways that doctors treat mental illness in the patients young and old.